JP Transfers
JP Transfers provides private door-to-door transfers based in El Chaltén, in a Toyota Hilux 4x4 for up to 4 passengers with their luggage, between El Calafate (town and airport), El Chaltén and Lago del Desierto. Starlink internet on board, a phone charger, and a bottle of water and a snack per person are included, and it operates year-round.
JP Transfers is a new private transfer service based in El Chaltén, launched this season to offer a specialized, high-quality option in the area. We operate a Toyota Hilux SRV 2.8 TDI 4x4, a rugged and reliable vehicle designed for the most demanding roads of Santa Cruz.
It is ideal for independent travelers, families, small groups and agencies looking for a safe, personalized transfer, with capacity limited to 4 passengers plus luggage. Our focus is on friendly service and attention to detail.
We offer door-to-door transfers between El Calafate and El Chaltén, to Lago del Desierto and to other destinations in Argentine Patagonia, adapting to the schedules, meeting points and specific needs of each trip. As a young company, we prioritize punctuality, clear communication and our passengers' peace of mind.
Designed for travelers who value the safety and capability of a 4x4 in Patagonia, JP Transfers is a perfect choice for itineraries that go beyond the usual roads. Whether you are an independent traveler or an agency looking for a reliable, well-equipped private transfer with personal attention, contact us with your date, origin, destination, time and number of passengers to arrange your trip.
Good to know
We speak: Spanish, Italian and English.
Business hours: from 08:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Argentina Time / UTC-3).
WiFi internet on board.
Onboard amenities vary depending on the trip.
Vehicle
We drive a Toyota Hilux SRV 2.8 TDI 4x4, the ideal vehicle to enjoy your private transfers in Santa Cruz with complete confidence. Its 204 hp diesel engine with 500 Nm of torque, combined with 4x4 drive and low-range gearing, lets you travel safely and comfortably both on the paved road between El Calafate and El Chaltén and on the demanding gravel roads to Lago del Desierto and other destinations in the province.
With room for 5 people (the driver and 4 passengers) and a large cargo bed for luggage, trekking backpacks and camera gear, it offers the perfect balance of comfort and practicality. Toyota's legendary reliability ensures a worry-free trip, and the SRV trim adds comfort and safety on every journey.
Ruggedness and versatility for your private transfers in Patagonia: reach your destination safely, on time and with the peace of mind of traveling in a vehicle built for the real conditions of the region.
Extra services
Travel with everything you need to enjoy the experience worry-free. We have Starlink internet on board so you can stay connected along the way, a large luggage space protected by a tarp, and a phone charger in the vehicle. Every booking includes a complimentary bottle of water and a snack per person.
You can also add trekking lunch packs and rent mountain gear to make your day on the trail even more comfortable:
- Trekking lunch packs: milanesa or cold-cut sandwich, a snack bar or alfajor, fruit and water.
- Gear rental: trekking poles, headlamps and small daypacks.
Frequently asked questions
About the transfer service
The transfer is exclusive to your group and door to door: we pick you up at the agreed place and time and drop you off at your destination. You travel in a Toyota Hilux SRV 4x4 with Starlink internet on board, a phone charger and luggage space covered by a tarp. Every booking includes a complimentary bottle of water and a snack per person.
Up to 4 passengers plus the driver, with their luggage: suitcases, trekking backpacks and camera gear travel in the cargo bed, protected by a tarp.
Yes. You can add trekking lunch packs to your booking (milanesa or cold-cut sandwich, a snack bar or alfajor, fruit and water) and rent trekking poles, headlamps and small daypacks.
We answer the phone from 08:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Argentina Time / UTC-3). You can message us on WhatsApp or use the "Book" button at any time.
About your trip
About 2.5 hours under normal road conditions: 200 km (124 miles) from El Calafate International Airport (FTE) and 215 km (134 miles) from the town, on a paved road. Travel time may vary with strong winds, fog or snow, and with any photo or rest stops you want to make along the way.
The road to Lago del Desierto, Provincial Route 41, is gravel. The Hilux, with 4x4 drive and low-range gearing, handles that kind of road safely and comfortably, as well as other destinations in the province beyond the usual routes.
Tap the "Book" button or message us on WhatsApp with your date, origin, destination, preferred time and number of passengers. We will confirm availability, price and conditions. We work with independent travelers and travel agencies.
Location
148 Río de las Vueltas, Z9301 El Chaltén, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina
Location map
Useful information for your trip
Argentina
Official language: Spanish (castellano). In Buenos Aires and tourist areas, English is fairly well understood. Demonym: Argentine / Argentinian.
Currency: Argentine peso (ARS). Symbol: $. ISO code: ARS. US dollars are accepted at many hotels and tourist businesses (always ask about the exchange rate). There are official and parallel exchange rates ("dólar blue"). Recommended: exchange money at official exchange houses, banks, or Western Union. Bring clean, low-denomination cash dollars. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in cities; cash is essential in small towns and for tips/taxis.
220-230 V / 50 Hz. Type C outlets (European, two round pins) and type I (Australian-style, two flat V-shaped pins + ground). Bring a universal adapter.
Valid passport (at least 3-6 months of remaining validity and blank pages recommended). Citizens of most countries in the Americas, Europe, Australia, Canada, Japan, etc. don't need a visa for tourism stays of up to 90 days. Always check with the Argentine embassy for your specific nationality. Additional entry requirements: round-trip ticket or proof of onward travel. Sufficient funds (approx. USD 50/day). Travel medical insurance (recommended/required under recent regulations – check whether Decree 366/2025 is in force; many sources require it with minimum coverage for emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation). A sworn declaration in some cases.
Time zone: UTC-3 (Argentina Time – ART) across the whole mainland. Daylight saving time has not been used since 2009. Phone code: +54.
911 (general emergencies – police/ambulance, with English-language support in Buenos Aires City). 100 Fire department. 107 Ambulance (SAME). 101 Police. Buenos Aires also has a dedicated Tourist Police.
Driving is on the right. A valid national license plus an international driving permit is recommended (depending on agreements and the rental company). Legal minimum age is 17 (rental companies usually require 21+).
In Buenos Aires: the SUBE card is used for the subway, buses, and trains. Useful apps: Cabify, Uber, BA Taxi.
Generally safe in major cities (Buenos Aires, Córdoba, etc.). In rural or remote areas, bottled water is recommended.
Not mandatory but expected for good service. Restaurants: 10%. Taxis: round up or leave the change. Hotels: bellhops and housekeeping as appropriate. Guides: 10%.
Good 4G/5G coverage in cities. Prepaid SIM cards are easy to buy (Claro, Movistar, Personal) with your passport. WiFi is common in hotels, cafés, and airports.
No mandatory vaccines. Recommended: routine vaccines up to date, plus yellow fever if visiting the north (Iguazú and surrounding areas). Medical insurance is strongly advised (and possibly required).
Highly varied: subtropical in the north, temperate in the center, cold/subantarctic in Patagonia. The best time to visit depends on the region (southern summer, Dec-Feb, for most of the country; winter for skiing).
Mealtimes run late (dinner starts around 9 pm). Siesta is common in inland towns. Mate-drinking culture. Asado (barbecue), empanadas, Malbec wine.
Normal precautions apply, as in any big city. Watch out for pickpockets in touristy areas of Buenos Aires. Avoid displaying valuables.
El Chaltén
El Chaltén is located about 210-220 km north of El Calafate via Route 40 + Route 41, fully paved: about 2.5 hours by car or private transfer, and about 3 hours by bus or shuttle, due to stops.
Chaltenense (the term used for people from El Chaltén).
High season: October to April (best for trekking). Peak: December-February (longer days, more visitors). Shoulder season: October-November and March-April (fewer crowds, good fall colors). Low season / winter: May-September (many services close, snow, difficult trails; for experienced visitors only).
The closest airport is Armando Tola International Airport, also known as El Calafate Airport (FTE). El Chaltén has no airport of its own. It's only reachable by land: daily buses run from El Calafate, usually departing in the morning, midday, and afternoon during the tourist season. Private transfers and rental cars are also an option. In high season, it's best to book in advance.
Extremely variable (all 4 seasons can happen in a single day). Very strong winds (Patagonia). Summer temperatures: 10-20°C (50-68°F) during the day, cool at night. Winter temperatures: -5 to 5°C (23-41°F) during the day, very cold at night. Layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, and a windbreaker are essential.
220V / 50Hz (same plug types as the rest of Argentina: C and I). Internet and cell signal are limited or intermittent (better in the town center). WiFi is available at most accommodations, though not always stable. Satellite internet (Starlink) is being adopted quickly. Mobile service: 4G (Movistar, Claro).
There's a branch of Banco Santa Cruz. ATMs (Banco Santa Cruz / Red LINK) are available, but they can be out of order or run out of cash. It's best to withdraw money in El Calafate beforehand.
There's a local health center with basic care and an ambulance (Puesto Sanitario). Serious emergencies are evacuated to El Calafate. Travel insurance with mountain/rescue coverage is highly recommended.
There's a YPF fuel station (Módulo de Abastecimiento Social, MAS) at the entrance to town, offering diesel and Super gasoline. Postal service: Correo Argentino.
Currency exchange offices.
A small, quiet town, 100% focused on trekking and nature. A backpacker and mountain-lover atmosphere. Meal and business hours are earlier than in Buenos Aires. There's a strong "mountain culture" and respect for the environment.
Since late 2024, there's an entrance fee for the main trails. Tickets are purchased online or via QR code (cash is not accepted at the trailheads). Multi-day passes are available.